13223/1THE sun was so hot at a fte in Pewsey that people paid to sit in the stocks to have a cool down.

One of the organisers Debbie Jackson said: "The stocks were so popular that people were not only paying to throw wet sponges, they were paying for a chance to sit in the stocks and have wet sponges thrown at them."

The fte, organised by the Little Island Residents' Association, raised £230 towards the provision of sheds for the families who live in the former old hospital buildings.

Storage facilities are not allowed outside the listed buildings and Mrs Jackson said there was no room inside the homes for large toys, bicycles and lawnmowers.

The residents' association has persuaded landlords James Butcher Housing Association to allow sheds to be erected in the clothes drying areas.

The housing association has welcomed the proposal and has promised match funding if the residents association raises £1,000.

Mrs Jackson said: "When we have raised £1,000 they are going to match fund it with a donation."

The fte included stalls, a bouncy castle, car boot sale, a barbecue run by Pewsey Scouts and stocks where people could throw wet sponges at the victim.

Local police officers attended and gave away colouring books and crayons to children.

Mrs Jackson said; "It was a very successful day and we are looking forward to more fund-raising events."